White Salmon, Wash. – What began in mid-July as a small brush fire east of White Salmon quickly escalated into one of Washington’s most destructive blazes this summer. Fueled by hot weather and strong winds, the Burdoin Fire tore across more than 11,000 acres along the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, destroying 19 homes, damaging dozens more, and threatening key transportation and power infrastructure. At its height, more than 900 first responders and dozens of aircraft fought the flames while hundreds of residents evacuated and two Red Cross shelters opened their doors.
The fire grew beyond local and state capacity, leading Klickitat County and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation to receive a rare FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grant. To date, it is the only Washington fire this year to reach that federal threshold. The blaze also scarred prized vineyards, small businesses, and sensitive habitat in the Columbia River Scenic Area.
Doing all the good that we can
As the fire raged and communities reeled, Pacific Northwest United Methodists mobilized. Disaster Response representatives attended a public meeting in The Dalles on July 25, while Early Response Team (ERT) members from Goldendale UMC staffed a disaster assistance center, distributing relief supplies to survivors.
On August 6, the same team supported a second assistance center at the Lyle Lions Clubhouse, offering not only supplies but also skilled help in debris sorting. That effort opened the door for a formal deployment: seven UMCOR-trained ERT members from churches in Fairwood, Edmonds, Goldendale, and Bothell spent three days in the Lyle area conducting damage assessments and helping families begin cleanup.
Staying at White Salmon UMC and using its parsonage facilities, the volunteers endured triple-digit temperatures while working in hazardous conditions. Wearing protective gear, they sifted through ashes so hot that only metal and ceramic remained, carefully honoring survivors’ wishes about what to keep and what to discard. A Kubota tractor loaned by Kevin and Pat Hamilton of Goldendale UMC greatly expanded what the team could accomplish, enabling an estimated 165 hours of service in just three days.
Hospitality and hope
The partnership extended beyond debris removal. White Salmon UMC provided cool, comfortable lodging and daily support. “We were made to feel so welcomed during our stay,” said Kathy Bryson, Disaster Response coordinator. “They even kept the air conditioning on so we could cool off after long, hot and sweaty days.”
Bryson noted that the first point of contact with survivors often comes through relief supplies like soot sponges and personal care kits. “We wouldn’t be able to do that if it wasn’t for our generous congregants opening their wallets to buy supplies and giving their time to assemble the kits,” she said.
For Bryson, the mission underscored both heartbreak and hope. “It was a stark contrast, and gut-wrenching, looking down the beautiful Columbia Gorge and standing in the fire ashes that was once a family’s beautiful home,” she reflected. Yet she also emphasized the strength of connection: “This mission demonstrated the power of connection between our churches, congregations and the servant hearts of those on the team.”
As recovery continues, PNWUMC Disaster Response leaders remain engaged with local partners, offering long-term recovery expertise to help survivors rebuild their lives.
well covered Patrick ! thanks for sharing—=-it was an honor to support this small but mighty team ! Tom Hager Trustee Chair WSUMC